Taking Care of my Brother!

Jackson's had a fever and hasn't felt good.  I didn't realize how bad he was feeling until I was cooking supper and came into the living room to Nora patting Jackson's back and his eyes were closed and he was asleep!  How sweet and poor guy.  Hopefully he feels better soon.  I love that they are getting to be best friends (&worst enemies) but I try to think more on the friends note!!!

Laundrey Hamper Rides

Nora just realized she can put Jackson in the laundry basket and push him around the upstairs.  He thinks it is fun, MOST OF THE TIME!

Park date with Book Group Ladies

We met at Miller Park in Eden Prairie to have all our kiddos play in the water and the playground and have a picnic.  I feel blessed to have met these ladies 7 years ago--wow! 

Dogs Days of the End of Summer

Days at the park or at the pool, that is my life and I am ok with it!  My kids are so tan and by the end of the day they are sweaty and dirty---I love it!  I love having the little neighbor girl over to swim in our kiddie pool that is decorated like a lion.  Jackson has just figured out that going down the slide over and over and over again is fun so that is his thing.

Bubble Bath Time

Bubble Bubble Bath!  My kids could take 10 baths a day if I let them.  They love bubble bath, they love pour soap all over and getting bubbles all over each other.  It is hilarious to watch, of course until someone starts crying because bubbles are in their eyes!

Park & Hanging with Nora's friends

I love summer.  Hanging out at the park, getting all dirty, seeing neighbor kids outside all day----things I LOVE!  Jackson and Nora are getting so big and Nora plays on everything at the park and Jackson is mr. copycat which doesn't really work since he can't do what she can.  Next summer....just wait!

Claire's 1st Birthday Party

We went to our friends' kids 1st birthday party.  It rained cats and dogs but of course my kids wanted to play in the rain and splash splash splash.  Mark and Natalie had a pinata for Claire and although it was really hard to break (Mark had to actually smash it!) my kids loved getting the candy.  Happy Birthday Ms Claire!!!

Jackson using a BIG BOY cup

Jackson I think has finally mastered the big boy cup.  He actually did a great job and has transitioned well, seeing as he has a hard time transitioning with ANYTHING else.  I cannot believe he is getting so big.

Nora and Jackson Playing on the Bed!!

My kids are really into jumping on the bed.  Am I a horrible parent for not caring that they do it?  I know when I was little my parents only let us kids jump on the bed at hotels, but really this toddler bed will only get used for a few years and if they fall if, its only 5 inches to the ground.  They also love reading books.  Nora loves pretend reading to Jackson.

Nora driving the Van!

Nora and Cinderella wanted to drive our new van.  I am glad the little things make her happy!

Uncle Milty's Benefit Concert

My uncle Milt composes music and is such a great musician.  He has a benefit concert every year for different charities.  We brought the kids this year and Nora LOVED dancing to the music in the aisle.  She is dancing with her hands with great grandma arlene in this photo.

A visit from an OLD FRIEND

My dear and probably longest standing friend and his wife (who is also my friend) came and visited us today.  Alex and Kali went to high school with me.  Alex and I went to daycare together when we were 3-4 years old.  We have had some great times together and Kali and I played volleyball and basketball together in high school so we enjoy this couple so much although we never see them.  It was fun to catch up and see how they are doing. 

Neighbor girls Birthday Party

Nora with Ms. Kelly!

Nora playing 'pass the egg'

Birthday Girl, Mel, and Nora!

Nora (and I guess Jackson) got invited to their friends birthday party across the street.  This is the first birthday party where Nora actually got to play the games and had fun with the birthday!  She liked finding the gift and hanging out for the party. 

Touch a Truck 2012....with papa steve

We have an event at our local community center called "Touch a Truck"  The kids LOVED it last year and they were pleased again this year.  Papa Steve came and helped me with the kids since Matt was out of town.  Nora was SO excited to see her Papa.  The kids got free hot dogs, ice cream, popcorn, treats-it was a great time for all. 

Jackson in back of cop car--what did he do?

"I swear mom, I didn't do it!!!"   (Nora in same cop car LAST YEAR!)

The kids THIS year (2012) with Papa Steve

The kids and Matt LAST YEAR (2011)

Old School transit bus that Nora was in last year much smaller  - Still likes taking pictures with her LOOKING DOWN!